WELCOME TO THE ZEN DEN
An independent bodywork practice based in Tunbridge Wells, run by me - Bex! I came to bodywork in 2016 via the world of acting, having discovered a knack for and interest in massage during drama school voice classes. An actor’s body is their instrument and it functions best from a ‘neutral’ place: open, relaxed, ready to receive. My aim is to help you create space and relaxation in your body so you can find YOUR neutral, free from the discomfort and inhibition of tension, pain, unhelpful postural habits, and emotional stress.
In 2016 I qualified in bodywork with Michael Gibbons at the College of Classical Massage, Brighton, going on to gain diplomas in deep tissue massage and onsite chair massage. In 2018 I returned to the College of Classical Massage to qualify in Structural Rebalancing; a unique combination of bodywork techniques that help bring the body back to its natural alignment. I love witnessing the change in my clients’ bodies and overall wellbeing as their conditions improve with regular treatments.
Drawing on a range of bodywork disciplines, I work holistically to release tension, iron out tight muscles & make space in the body. Whether you’re here for relaxation, recovering from injury or need deeper, more remedial work to address a specific issue, I’ll work with you to tailor a treatment that leaves you feeling relaxed, realigned and reconnected with your body.
Rebecca qualified with the College of Classical Massage, Brighton and holds an ITEC Level 3 qualification in bodywork.
She is a fully accredited and insured member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
NOT YOUR AVERAGE MASSAGE…
Treatments at The Zen Den are pretty unique. I draw on a variety of techniques from a range of bodywork modalities including classic/Swedish massage, yoga massage, deep tissue, myofascial release and passive stretching / mobilisation work. There are no set treatments here! I use this toolkit of techniques plus my massage therapist’s detective skills and a splash of intuition to tailor a treatment for you based on what you need. We always work with what you need on the day.
The (body)Work
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Deep tissue massage is slow, intentional work focusing on releasing deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and pains and congested areas, such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
During a deep tissue massage, firm, steady pressure is applied mindfully to encourage the soft tissue to soften and ‘melt’. From there, we can access deeper structures and release.
Forget everything you know about “no pain, no gain”. Deep tissue work and painfully firm pressure are not the same thing. The pressure of your massage is determined by how much your body is willing to receive. We can’t, and won’t, bully the body into softening (it doesn’t work!).
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Structural Rebalancing, developed by Michael Gibbons, combines advanced soft-tissue and movement techniques to restore alignment, reduce chronic tension, and improve mobility. It includes deep tissue release to reduce adhesions, fascial release to ease connective tissue restrictions, muscle energy techniques to rebalance muscles and joints, and trigger point therapy to relieve referred pain. We combine this with gentle joint mobilisation and assisted stretching to improve range of motion.
This is a holistic approach to bodywork that is especially effective at addressing acute or chronic pain. Recommended for conditions involving muscular or skeletal issues, recovery from injury caused by trauma or physical activity, or as part of an ongoing preventive treatment plan to alleviate stress and rebalance postural habits.
Particularly beneficial in addressing:
Sciatica
Lower back pain
Tight neck & shoulder conditions including ‘frozen shoulder’
Chronic tension
Structural Rebalancing can be offered as a stand-alone treatment or incorporated into any standard session. In fact, I use a few SR techniques in all of my treatments.
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The body undergoes fundamental transformations during pregnancy, including postural and hormonal changes, weight gain, increased plasma and blood volume and the shifting of organs.
Also known as pre-natal massage, pregnancy massage promotes relaxation and bonding, soothes nerves, and relieves strained, tired muscles in expectant mothers.
The Zen Den pregnancy treatments are a bit special, so they have a special page of their own: